Gracie told Jack Encarnacao on Friday’s Beatdown program that he’s
embracing the opportunity to get his shot at family redemption this
Saturday at UFC 112
“Invincible” in Abu Dhabi.

“You have to understand, my cousins and my brothers and my
relatives; I can talk bad about them. I can hit them. But nobody
else can do it,” said Gracie. “That’s the reality, because it
drives me crazy.”

Hughes (43-7) will offer a stiff test for the Pride veteran, who
will make his 170-pound debut in returning from a three-year
hiatus. Gracie (13-6-1, 1 NC) stated that he does not expect the
long layoff to affect his performance at UFC 112.

“I trained very hard and I dedicated the last six months to just
training for Matt Hughes. I think I’m ready. I’m really looking
forward to this fight,” said a confident Gracie. “It’s a great
honor to fight him, he’s an unbelievable fighter. Very tough guy;
he was one of the most dominant [welterweight fighters] out
there.”

Gracie last saw action in February 2007 in an EliteXC contest that
ended suddenly when Shamrock landed an illegal knee to the head of
the downed BJJ black belt. The fight was dominated by Gracie before
the foul, and the Brazilian walked away the winner by DQ. The clash
will be Hughes’ first since edging Matt Serra at
UFC 98 last May.

“I can’t wait to test myself, especially after such a long [time]
sitting on the couch [eating] potato chips,” laughed Gracie.